Ringer apologises for action, as four-week ban is imposed (From Penarth Times)

Ringer apologises for action, as four-week ban is imposed

PENARTH rugby player Jamie Ringer has been given a four-week ban for butting an opponent in a recent Celtic League clash.

Flanker Ringer, aged 29, a former St Cyres Compre-hensive pupil, was playing for his region, the Newport Gwent Dragons, against Connacht at Rodney Parade when the incident happened. The Dragons won the game 24-19.

He was later cited by the management of the Irish province. The citing was upheld by a Welsh Rugby Union disciplinary panel.

The ban comes into immediate effect, meaning that the 29-year-old will miss the entire Celtic Cup campaign.

Ringer said: "I would like to apologise to the team, the region and the supporters for my reckless action.

"It happened on the spur of the moment and I regret and apologise for my actions. I am deeply disappointed to be missing The Dragons' Celtic Cup matches and the anticipated run in the competition."

The Dragons kick off their Celtic Cup campaign with a fixture against Llanelli Scarlets at Rodney Parade tomorrow.

Jamie Ringer, who previously played for the now defunct Celtic Warriors regional team, has won a total of six Welsh caps.

Jamie Ringer's father Paul was famously sent off playing for Wales against England at Twickenham in 1980 for a late tackle on fly-half John Horton. England went on to win the game 9-8.

The incident sparked a campaign which turned Paul Ringer into a folk hero, with supporters wearing 'Ringer is innocent' badges.